How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

This is a fantastic option for cafes and coffee shops that want to attract customers who are enthralled by barista and espresso. It's the official machine used for the World Barista Championships, and it shows.

It comes with a water reservoir so that the barista just has to refill it during their shift. The machine also comes with cool-touch steam wands and hot water taps for tea.

Water

A commercial espresso machine needs to produce a large quantity of espresso based drinks efficiently. This is why they are typically built from stainless steel, which is more robust and resistant to scratches and breaks. Stainless steel espresso machines also make it easier to maintain and clean.

A good quality machine should include an independent shut-off valve for the water pipe in order to prevent the build-up of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are confined to the affected components of the machine and won't impact the rest of your operation.

Test your water and make sure it is treated properly. For example the distilled water can be restored by adding a tiny amount of minerals back to it. It can improve the taste and reduce its erosive characteristics, but can also harm certain machines. The remineralized water will make the boiler sensor believe that the machine is full however it's not. This can lead to overheating and possibly damaging the machine.

Grinder

The grinder is an essential element of a successful espresso maker. The grinder turns an unground, raw coffee bean into finely-ground coffee which can be tamped correctly into the filter basket for the best extraction.

Professional commercial machines come with grinders that can be programmed to accommodate different sizes of drinks. This guarantees consistency in results each time. Super-automatic espresso machines go one step further, by automating and programmable the entire process from brewing to grinding to dispensing. These types of machines usually get high marks in Lab tests for their hands-off accessibility.

Semi-automatic or manual machines require more work from the barista, but the results are worth it. This model was awarded the 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its intelligent dosing system that weighs and dispenses the right amount of ground coffee every time. It also comes with a low-pressure pre-infusion mechanism for balanced extraction and an ice cream wand that performed well in our tests for producing rich, thick steaming milk.

Temperature

Temperature is a major aspect in espresso. If the temperature of your water is not at the right level, it could cause extraction to be hindered and could result in a bitter cup.

High-end espresso machines have devices that allow you to maintain the right temperature of your water. A PID monitors and regulates the temperature of the water. Another method is using a double boiler. You can use one boiler to heat steam and water for tea, while using the second to heat water to brewing temperature.

Carles explains that these systems can make a difference for both large businesses and baristas who work from home. They can aid novices dial in the perfect espresso drink because they can maintain the exact temperature and prevent various variables that can alter the flavor profile. It can also make it easier for experienced baristas to create their shots exactly the way they would like them.

Pressure

The pressure that an De'Longhi Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine Black - EC9355.BM machine is using also affects the quality of coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks have a distinct taste different based on the amount of pressure they use, even if all other factors are constant.

The majority of commercial machines utilize 9 bars of pressure to brew espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam driven than pump-driven. While higher-pressure machines exist but they usually require a more sophisticated group head design that can take on the higher pressures.

While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure on their machines, nine bars are generally considered to be the gold standard for making consistently great espressos. These machines with higher pressures are generally less expensive and are intended for use at home.

In comparison, 9 bar of pressure is four times more than the pressure exerted by your car tire. The more pressure that an espresso maker with professional quality can apply, the better in bringing out the flavor of the coffee beans you love. It's worthwhile to invest in high-end machines that can give the best results.

Barista Skills

A barista should be able to accept and process orders of customers quickly and accurately. This is especially crucial when there is a lot of activity at the coffee shop. A good understanding of customer service is also essential for building customer relationships and increasing sales for the shop. This includes recognizing frequent customers, working efficiently to resolve problems and staying positive and friendly even in challenging circumstances.

Being able to multitask is usually required for baristas, since they might be required to take orders as well as operate the cash register, communicate orders to coworkers and handle calls at the same time. This ability allows orders to be moving quickly to the customer, and will allow them to have an enjoyable time in the coffee for espresso machine shop.

It is beneficial for baristas to know the various types of drinks that can be made by an espresso machine. This can be learned by researching the different types of coffee, trying them out in person, or watching videos on the internet. Baristas often prefer to attend classes on the topic, which are offered by several organizations.